prob a stupid question... should I be using ptfe tape on fuel, oil and water lines?

bit unsure about fuel lines especially, using copper pipe with compression fittings (supplied by tiger), and more so with fuel injection...

anything i should be doing/considering?

As a general rule compression fittings dont need tape and taper type fittings may do.

generally there are 2 types of hose fitting or pipe fitting.

The ones that seal on a taper or compression of the pipe do not require any tape or sealant for the threads.

The other is a tapered pipe fitting that seals on the threads. In this case use tape or liquid sealant.

John

In my days manufacturing compression fittings for domestic water. Tighten olive nut hand tight then spanner turn through 90 more degrees. It doesn't feel like it's sealed but it should be.

However, in practice I always use BOS White to make sure (kind of runny window putty, if you're old enough to remember!)

Steve

We haven't used sealant on any compression fittings (brake or fuel)anywhere on our build and basically have stuck to this principle without a sinlge leak.

[Edited on 31-5-06 by Hellfire]

main cause of leaks on compression fittings is overtightening causing them to deform. At least if you turn it 90 degrees and it leaks, you can safely nip it up a little more!

Hellfire.
Thats what I said.Not on compression fittings. Or have I misunderstood your note?

[Edited on 31/5/06 by stevec]

[Edited on 31/5/06 by stevec]

You need paste or PTFE on cheap plumbing compression fittings these days!


Particularly "Eagle" brand fittings that look like there made from sweetie wrapers!

[Edited on 1/6/06 by MkIndy7]

so what is the consensus on PTFE and fuel / brake fluid?

I've used Loctite 572 thread sealant on my brakes with no problem.
Loctite 243 lock n seal is supposed to be oil and petrol resistant.

Brakes don't seal on the threads, they seal on the flare and should not need anything on the threads.

The only thing I would recommend on Cupro-Nickel brake line compression fittings is some copper grease on the inside of the fitting where the brake pipe goes through it.

This means the day you come to undo it the nut will turn and not twist the brake pipe, meaning you do not have to make a new hard line.

John